PPL steps up fridge collection

The utility hopes to recycle 100,000 appliances — 95 percent of which will be reused in new products. Even the foam insulation is burned to generate electricity.

July 09, 2013|By Sam Kennedy, Of The Morning Call

PPL Electric Utilities hopes to nearly double its collection of old, inefficient refrigerators and other cooling devices with the launch of the second phase of its appliance recycling program.

"Our customers understand the value of appliance recycling to help them save money on energy costs and do so in an environmentally beneficial way," PPL customer programs specialist Maureen Fenerty said in a news release. "We hope the ease of our recycling program encourages many of our customers to participate with their older refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners."

More than 55,000 appliances have already been recycled as part of PPL's E-power appliance recycling program. The utility's goal is to increase that tally to at least 100,000 over the course of the program's second, three-year phase.

The program recycles 95 percent of the materials for reuse in making new products. Even the foam insulation is safely burned to generate electricity.

"With a service territory spanning 29 counties and nearly 1.4 million customers, there certainly is a lot of potential for many more old appliances to be removed from kitchens, garages and basements to be recycled," Fenerty said. "Older units can cost up to $150 more a year to operate than newer ENERGY STAR models."

PPL Electric Utilities' customers receive $35 for recycling their old refrigerator or freezer. Units are picked up at no cost to the customer.

To illustrate the value of appliance recycling, the utility on Tuesday conducted a "Filet-O-Fridge" demonstration outside its Lehigh Service Center near Allentown.

An old refrigerator, literally sliced in half, was on display to show materials that can be reclaimed. It included a show of beneficial reuse for things such as glass, metal and oil.

Customers can schedule a time to have their appliance picked up by calling 1-877-270-3522 or by visiting http://www.pplelectric.com/recycle. The program is limited to the removal of two units per household per calendar year. Refrigerators or freezers to be recycled must be in working order and be between 10 and 30 cubic feet.